Cookie Manufacturer Bahlsen Tasks TDS with a Variety of Services

Initially, TDS will be responsible for eight of Bahlsen’s sites, including its headquarters in Hanover. Its remit includes application management, application hosting, the operation of the desktop landscape for 800 users, the local area network (LAN), and the wide area network (WAN). Come January 1, 2008, around 500 SAP users will access systems hosted at the TDS data center in Neckarsulm under a multi-million agreement.

Concentrating on core competencies: crispy cookies

In 1891, Hermann Bahlsen invented a rectangular serrated butter cookie with 52 notches – a product that was to propel the company he founded to international success. Today, the family-owned business is one of Europe’s leading makers of cookies, and Germany’s No. 1. And now it has chosen to collaborate with the IT specialists at TDS. Momme S. Petersen, CFO at Bahlsen, explains the rationale behind the decision: “There were several reasons for outsourcing to TDS. They are SAP solution experts, and very experienced in application hosting and outsourcing. What’s more, TDS offers us a one-stop solution to our needs.”Petersen also drew attention to another key reason for the award of contract: “TDS is a mid-market player, just like us. So they fully understand the needs of a company like ours.” The cookie maker also valued a further factor, as Momme S. Petersen explains: “For us, it is very important that our new partner can deliver services simply, quickly and efficiently.” In this regard, as well, TDS impressed its new customer: A key role is played by the data center in Neckarsulm, and by the resources that TDS is to provide on-site at Bahlsen.

IT outsourcing with TDS

To ensure smooth transition, TDS is already implementing the corresponding infrastructure, even though the systems are still being operated by the existing outsourcer. This will prepare the ground for the delivery of high-quality services. In particular, the focus is on high availability: this is vital to ensuring uninterrupted production and logistics processes, and is guaranteed by corresponding service level agreements (SLAs). Services will be charged on the basis of fixed fees. Desktops and storage solutions will be invoiced on the basis of actual demand.

Tangible benefits

During the initial phase, TDS will assume responsibility for the operation of systems at eight European sites, providing a comprehensive IT service package – including management of eight applications, such as SAP R/3 software, Cognos and Lotus Notes. Moreover, TDS will host a large number of applications, and also be responsible for the client infrastructure. The IT specialist will also be tasked with LAN and WAN management.On July 1, 2007, TDS will begin processing payroll for approximately 2,200 Bahlsen staff in Germany. Within the scope of a business process outsourcing (BPO) arrangement, TDS will perform the monthly payroll transactions, maintain the software, and implement changes as a result of new legislation and collective pay agreements. TDS also transfers data to health insurers and pension-plan organizations, and envelopes, addresses and mails pay slips.